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Monday, January 30, 2012
I was fortunate to spend the weekend of January 18-19, 2012 at the Priority Alpaca Sale Auction In Las Vegas, Nevada. I want to start with complimenting Silver Penn Sales and the hosting farm TnT Farms for creating a superb event. This event has proven to be the perfect type of event for starting a new year. Not only did this auction attract beautiful alpacas from some of the best breeding programs in the country, but alpaca ranchers expressed their generosity at the Quechua Benefit auction which generated over $25,000 towards the Orphanage.
Of course, the centerpiece of the auction is the actual selling and bidding of the alpacas. However there is considerably more going on at these functions then just the sale and viewing of livestock. These functions are an incredible opportunity to network with other fellow alpaca enthusiasts. This is the time to see crias and get from that outstanding herdsire you have been considering, exchange information about herd health or new alpaca veterinarian studies, catch up with out of state business partners or expand your marketing tool box. Often these events come packed with seminars and training on a variety of subjects from leaders in the industry providing resources for the new to seasoned alpaca rancher. These seminars don’t only benefit the auction attendees but also provide additional traffic and viewing of the alpacas for sale. It is easier to sell an excellent alpaca to a buyer that is well educated.
If you are mentoring clients or introducing potential new alpaca buyers this is a great opportunity to provide information to your client while being available to expand in detail specific areas of interest for your client. For many newbies in the industry, an auction weekend event can be overwhelming and intimidating. Providing support and a home base for your client at an auction can grow trust and longevity in the relationship. What better way to meet and greet a large group of industry people than having your mentor introducing you and show you the ropes. I personally have never left an auction event without meeting a new fellow alpaca farmer, gaining more insight on better marketing/herd/breeding goals or additional refinement of my ultimate business vision. I strongly advise everyone to attend an auction and consider selling/buying via this format.
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